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25
OPEN=AIR EDUCATION.
A Sub-Committee has during the last six months visited several open-air
schools—at Barking, Bow and Clapham—and have been much impressed with
the beneficial results obtained therefrom. As the result, the Committee have
decided to establish such a school in Edmonton. A site, fairly central and
easy of access is necessary, and one not shut in by surrounding buildings.
With an administrative block capable of expansion, such a school might
become in the future a centre of special activities.
Unfortunately, every scholar in such a school will not be returning to
equally wholesome conditions on going home at night.
Residential Open-air School.—Three beds have been reserved for
Edmonton boy scholars at the Russell-Cotes Residential School, Parkstone,
near Bournemouth, and at the end of the year the third batch were in residence.
The length of stay is six weeks, and the boys are accompanied to
Waterloo Station by one of the Attendance Officers and then handed over to
the Superintendent or Matron of the School, and vice versa.
The boys have enjoyed their visit and their parents and myself have been,
pleased with the results.
It is hoped shortly to secure at Clacton similar advantages for the girls.
No school journeys, camps, etc., have been undertaken during the year.
Physical Training.—There is no Area Organiser for this; drill, if
possible, is taken in the open air, and the syllabus of the Board of Education is
followed. I am glad to say that one no longer sees that relic of the past,
namely, forced expiration through the open mouth ; it has died at last.
The elder children are taught swimming in the Council Baths: there is a
Teaching Mistress for the girls, but their respective masters take the boys.
The appointment of a Swimming Instructor for boys will be made at the
commencement of the swimming season.
PROVISION OF MEALS FOR NECESSITOUS
CHILDREN.
The two centres—one at the Northern and the other at the Southern end
of the district—have been in operation during the year.